Are you a dedicated paraprofessional within the NYC public school system, passionate about education and eager to advance your career? The Career Training Program (CTP) offers an exceptional opportunity to earn your first Bachelor’s degree, providing tuition coverage and flexible study options. This comprehensive program is designed to support eligible paraprofessionals in achieving their academic goals while continuing their vital work in schools.
The CTP program understands the demands on working professionals, offering tuition assistance for 3 to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities. For those enrolled in five or more credit hours, the program also provides 2.5 hours of release time per week, acknowledging the importance of dedicated study hours. Furthermore, a Summer Stipend is available to eligible participants to further support their academic pursuits during the summer months. The initiative empowers paraprofessionals to take charge of their educational journey by researching, applying to, and enrolling in a participating institution that aligns with their aspirations.
Is the Career Training Program Right for You? Eligibility Explained
To determine if you qualify for this transformative career development program, review the eligibility criteria below:
- Full-Time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be employed as full-time paraprofessionals within a NYC public school.
- No Prior Bachelor’s Degree: The program is designed for paraprofessionals who are yet to complete their first Bachelor’s degree.
- Active Payroll Status: You must be actively payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional both at the time of application and throughout the application school year.
- Matriculation Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program upon completing 45 credits.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible for CTP participation.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program covers up to 120 credits towards your first Bachelor’s degree. Exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This 120-credit limit encompasses all credits, including transfer credits and credits earned before program entry.
- Minimum GPA: A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required for program eligibility.
- Maintaining Academic Standing: Participants must maintain a minimum “C” grade point average (2.0) to remain eligible throughout the program. Falling below this GPA will result in voucher ineligibility.
- Course Grade Policy: The NYC Public Schools does not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Participants are financially responsible for these courses if they occur.
- Financial Responsibility: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program are responsible for all subsequent course credits, tuition, and associated fees.
Understanding Financial Aid and Program Costs
The Career Training Program is structured to minimize the financial burden on participating paraprofessionals. Financial aid avenues such as the Federal Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) are integral to covering tuition expenses. The program operates as follows:
- Tuition Coverage: Financial aid sources are applied first to tuition costs. The NYC Public Schools will then be billed for the remaining tuition balance by the college or university.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: It is important to note that the NYCPS does not cover course materials or any additional fees levied by the institution. This includes activity fees, application fees, technology fees, and other miscellaneous charges, which remain the paraprofessional’s responsibility.
Application Windows: Your 4-Week Gateway to Enrollment
The Career Training Program operates with specific application windows for each semester, providing a structured timeframe to apply and begin your educational journey. Note these key dates to plan your application effectively:
- Fall Semester: Application period opens May 1st and closes June 30th.
- Spring Semester: Application period opens September 1st and closes October 31st.
- Summer Semester: Application period opens February 1st and closes March 31st.
Crucial Application Note: A separate application is mandatory for each semester (fall, spring, and summer) you wish to participate in. Vouchers are semester-specific and cannot be carried over to previous or future semesters if unused.
For a comprehensive overview, refer to the CTP Fact Sheet. For frequently asked questions, consult the CTP FAQ Document.
Additional Resources for Program Participants
To further assist paraprofessionals in understanding and utilizing the Career Training Program, several key documents are available:
- Release Time Memos: Understand your release time benefits with the CTP UFT Paraprofessional Release Time Memo and the CTP DC-37 Paraprofessional Release Time Memo.
- Program Brochure: Get a visual overview of the program with the CTP Brochure.
- Participating Institutions: Explore the list of Approved Colleges and Universities to find an institution that suits your academic needs.
- Summer Stipend Details: Learn more about summer financial support through the Summer Stipend Fact Sheet and Summer Stipend Application.
- Voucher Change Form: If needed, use the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form to update your voucher details.
- Confirmation Sample: View a CTP Sample Confirmation Email to understand what to expect after applying.
Important Updates – Effective Immediately:
- NYCPS Email Requirement: To ensure you receive your confirmation email and voucher promptly, you must use your official NYCPS email address when applying. Personal email addresses from other domains will no longer be accepted.
- Voucher University/College Changes: To modify the college or university listed on your voucher, download and submit the CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form. Allow 48 hours for processing.
- Application Confirmation Timeline: Expect to receive an application confirmation email within 24-48 hours of submitting your Career Training Program application.
Ready to take the next step? APPLY HERE
For detailed application guidance, consult the CTP Application Guide. If you do not receive an email confirmation after applying, it indicates that your application was not successfully submitted, and you will need to re-apply.
For further inquiries, please contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
Explore Additional Career Advancement Programs
Beyond the Career Training Program, NYC Public Schools offers several other initiatives to support paraprofessional career growth:
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
For paraprofessionals requiring student teaching to complete their teacher certification, the NYCPS provides a 40-day paid leave of absence. This program addresses situations where colleges may not accept paraprofessional work in lieu of traditional student teaching. Key details include:
- Leave Limit: A maximum of 100 leaves are granted annually (50 in the fall, 50 in the spring), awarded on a competitive application basis.
- Pre-Approval Required: Applicants must receive formal approval before commencing their leave.
For in-depth information, review the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview.
Application Windows:
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Application currently CLOSED)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Tenure: Applicants must be full-time, active employees with at least one full school year as a paraprofessional (substitute service excluded).
- Payroll Status: Maintain full-time payrolled status at application and throughout the school year.
- GPA: Minimum 2.5 GPA in the program of study.
- NYSED Approved Program: Enrollment in a NYSED-approved teacher certification program is mandatory. Note restrictions for online and out-of-state colleges not officially approved by NYSED.
Eligible Categories:
- Category A: Paraprofessionals with an education degree lacking student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Master’s program candidates needing student teaching for initial certification.
- Category C: Undergraduate program candidates needing student teaching for initial certification.
Restrictions:
- Document Deadline: All required documents must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the requested leave date.
- Limited Availability: Applications are accepted annually with limited slots in fall and spring.
- One-Time Application: Each paraprofessional can apply to this program only once.
- Initial Certification Focus: Leave is granted solely for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification, not for non-teaching roles.
APPLY HERE – Ensure application submission by clicking the SUBMIT button. Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful submission. Mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional Student Teaching LOA Program
Contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449 for inquiries.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
This program offers reimbursement for up to 12 graduate credits for eligible paraprofessionals pursuing a graduate education program leading to teacher certification. New York State certification must be obtained after September 1st of the application year.
Program details are available in the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document.
Application Availability: Annually: February 1st — March 31st
Eligibility:
- Matriculation: Full matriculation in a NYS-approved graduate education program for teacher certification.
- Credit Completion: Completion of twelve graduate credits.
- Experience: At least one full year of paid paraprofessional experience within NYC Public Schools.
- Payroll Status: Full-time payrolled status at application and throughout the school year.
- Eligible Coursework: Master’s degree coursework in classroom teaching disciplines leading to NYS certification.
- Grade Requirement: Coursework must have a passing grade of “B” or better for reimbursement.
Restrictions:
- Reimbursement Rate: Based on the current CUNY graduate tuition rate.
- Program Focus: Excludes non-teacher education disciplines (Guidance Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, etc.).
- Pre-requisite Exclusion: Pre-requisite courses are not reimbursable.
- Initial Certification Only: Reimbursement covers courses required for initial certification.
APPLY HERE – Submit applications online and mail required documents to:
New York City Public Schools
Scholarships, Incentives, and Pupil Personnel Services
65 Court Street, Room 508, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Attn: Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
Contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449 for more information.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
NYCPS offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification exams for eligible paraprofessionals pursuing a teaching career within NYC Public Schools.
Review the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and the Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application for details.
Application Availability: Annually: March 1st – April 30th
Eligibility:
- NYS Certification: NYS teacher certification attained on or after 09/01 of the application year.
- Receipts: Receipts for NYS Examinations and NYS Teacher Application.
- Reimbursement Deadline: Request reimbursement within one year of certification.
Required Documentation:
- Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Application, NYS Teacher Application and NYS Examination receipts, and proof of passing certification exams.
Contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449 for inquiries.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
The LTA/BLTA position is an annual opportunity for full-time paraprofessionals to take on expanded classroom roles supporting instruction under teacher supervision. This role offers skill enhancement and a pathway towards a teaching career, with eligible paraprofessionals receiving additional compensation up to $5,000 annually.
Learn more in the LTA/BLTA Position Posting. Contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449 for further information.
Application Availability: Annually: January 1 – March 31
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree required at application.
- Teacher Assistant Certificate: Active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- Transcripts & Certificate: Submission of transcripts and Teaching Assistant Certificate copy.
- Experience: One year of full-time paraprofessional service at NYCDOE.
- Attendance: Satisfactory attendance and punctuality record.
- Bilingual LTA: Fluency in required language for BLTA positions.
Conclusion
The NYC Public Schools is committed to fostering the professional growth of its paraprofessionals. These career advancement programs, including the comprehensive Career Training Program and others outlined, provide valuable resources and financial support to help dedicated individuals achieve their educational and career aspirations within the school system. Explore these opportunities and take the first step towards a brighter future in education.
